Haze pollution at Singapore at 11:00 am on Friday, June 21st – around the same time pollution in Singapore hit a record high. Source: Choo Yut Shing/ Flickr

At that time, measurements of particulates and other pollutants such as carbon monoxide and ozone in the air soared to over 400 on a scale where anything over 300 is considered hazardous. While the 24-hour “average” measurements were a bit lower, peaking at 246 on June 20, air quality conditions were considered “very unhealthy” for 3 days and “unhealthy” for 5 days. The issue is so problematic that Singapore has set up an information website about the haze, giving updates about the haze and allowing citizens to easily track levels for themselves.

A perennial problemWhile last June may have been the worst haze Singapore had seen yet, haze from outside its border is a common problem. Fires (mostly but not exclusively in Indonesia) burning vegetation and peatlands have become an annual event in the region, sending particulate matter and other pollutants into the air, often traveling across the Strait of Malacca into Singapore and Malaysia. As we reported last year, many of these fires could be traced back to oil palm plantations where fires are often deliberately set in order to clear land for plantings. This year, there is a 70% chance of El Niño developing this summer and an 80% chance this fall and winter. For Southeast Asia, El Niño mostly likely means a drier than average summer and thus would have an elevated risk of fire and subsequent haze.

Map of the fires causing air pollution in Southeast Asia in June 2013, initially prepared by Stu Sheppard using two days worth of data

Taking actionAnd so some in Singapore decided to take action. A proposed bill in Singapore, known as the “Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014,” would give Singapore the right to fine any entity (Singaporean or otherwise) whose activities outside of Singapore contribute to the haze problem. These actions would also constitute a criminal offense with fines up to 300,000 Singapore dollars (~ US $240,000) and even higher should an entity be found deliberately ignoring Singaporean authority’s request for action. Even further, anyone with evidence of personal injury, physical damage or economic loss could then sue these entities for damages in Singaporean court.

Should the bill pass, it remains to be seen just how effective it would be. Yet this bill shows just how serious Singapore is about doing everything in its power to hold entities accountable for the consequences of these fires. In fact, last Friday the Singaporean Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources released public feedback on the bill. While some comments raised concerns about the ability to enforce the bill, others expressed a desire for even higher fines, showing the engagement of Singapore’s citizens as well as its government.

About the author:
Lael Goodman is an analyst with the Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative at UCS. She conducts research and analysis to support reducing tropical deforestation as a way to mitigate climate change. Specifically, Ms. Goodman focuses on deforestation caused by the palm oil industry and protecting tropical peatlands. See Lael's full bio.

Support from UCS members make work like this possible. Will you join us? Help UCS advance independent science for a healthy environment and a safer world.

Comments are closed. Comments are automatically closed after two weeks.

Comment Policy

UCS welcomes comments that foster civil conversation and debate. To help maintain a healthy, respectful discussion, please focus comments on the issues, topics, and facts at hand, and refrain from personal attacks. Posts that are commercial, obscene, rude or disruptive will be removed.

Please note that comments are open for two weeks following each blog post. When commenting, you must use your real name. Valid email addresses are required. (UCS respects your privacy; we will not display, lend, or sell your email address for any reason.)